Real Madrid: Karim Benzema set for derby with Atlético Madrid
The Real ace trained as normal for the second day in a row and is in Zinedine Zidane's squad for Saturday's clash at the Calderón.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is in line to feature in Saturday's Spanish capital derby at Atlético Madrid after training as normal for the second straight day.
Centre-forward in squad for Atlético
Benzema, who picked up a hip issue in Madrid's Champions League draw at Legia Warsaw earlier in November, had rejoined the group on Thursday.
Speaking after Friday training, Real boss Zinedine Zidane confirmed the 28-year-old's inclusion in his 20-man squad for the LaLiga match at the Calderón.
It is unclear whether he will be in the line-up or, as is more likely, begin on the bench. "If he's on the list it's because he could be a starter, but we'll see," said Zidane.
Ramos also in after overcoming knee injury
Captain Sergio Ramos, who had been sidelined by a knee problem suffered while playing for Spain in October, is also in Los Blancos' squad.
Zidane gives players motivational talk
With keeper Keylor Navas returning from Costa Rica duty, Zidane had all the players involved in the international break back at Real's Valdebebas base.
And 'Zizou' took advantage of the opportunity to address his charges in a 15-minute pre-session pep talk ahead of their crunch match-up with Los Rojiblancos.
Quartet recovering from injuries
There was also negative fitness news for 'Zizou' as Casemiro and Pepe were again forced to do individual work and were both excluded from his squad.
Toni Kroos continues his rehabilitation from a broken foot, with Álvaro Morata, who came back from Spain action with a hamstring issue, also undergoing treatment.
Real Madrid squad to face Atlético Madrid:
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla, Yáñez.
Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Coentrão, Danilo.
Midfielders: James, Kovacic, Modric, Asensio, Isco.
Forwards: Cristiano, Benzema, Bale, Vázquez, Mariano.